RV’s and Highway Laws: How Road Regulations Can Ruin Your RV Vacation

Every RV owner should know the basic rules about driving. After all, all of the traffic laws that apply to regular vehicles also apply to recreational vehicles. Unfortunately, while not considered a commercial vehicle, the size of an RV means that vacationers have a few more rules to watch out for.

The basic RV driving rules are simple enough—always stay in the right lane except when turning, exiting, or passing; keep safety items such as safety chains, a breakaway switch and trailer brakes in your recreational vehicle; always be attentive to height clearance signs, and so forth.

But knowing all the additional RV rules state to state? That’s a little harder to do.

While most states, especially those within the same regions, will have similar traffic laws and RV laws, some traffic regulations and RV restrictions will vary from state to state– sometimes drastically, and sometimes just enough to get an innocent driver into trouble.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the most troublesome laws, as well as some of the most surprising, to help you make your RV adventure ticket-free.

Total legal vehicle length in Minnesota is 75’ on all highways.

Total legal vehicle length in Mississippi only allows 53’—this law applies even for vehicles that are not registered in the state.

Texas highway speed limit is 70mph during the day. At night, the speed limit drops down to 65mph. This applies everywhere and has cost many an RVing family a hefty ticket.

New Jersey’s highway laws restrict the transport of any firearms that were not purchased in New Jersey to be brought into the state. If you are an RVer that loves hunting, you may want to avoid passing through this little seaside state.

New Jersey traffic laws requires drivers to beep before passing another vehicle.

Rhode Island forbids the transport of alcohol within vehicles (even if unopened). This applies to RV travellers that have alcohol within the vehicle.

New York restricts trailers from being used on most parkways, making travel trailers technically illegal.

Of course, these aren’t the only laws to look out for when travelling. It can be hard to keep all the laws straight when you’re driving on a long RV vacation. Remember, always obey the rules of the road that apply to cars in addition to the extra rules that apply to an RV.

If you’re new to RVing, recently purchased your first RV, or are planning a big summer trip, take a look at our free downloadable eBook, “The RV Camper’s Planning Guide” to prepare for whatever you might encounter on the road. This eBook coaches both first-time and veteran RVers on how anticipate travel needs, mechanical problems, and even avoid possible accidents.